Kimi Raikkonen appeared to break the leg of a member of his Formula One pit crew in a horrific accident.

Raikkonen, who drives for Ferrari, had driven into the pits during the Bahrain Grand Prix.

But the Finn accelerated to re-join the race while one of the mechanics was still in front of his tyre.

The mechanic had just fitted a new rear tyre onto Raikkonen's car.

But the team signalled to Raikkonen that he could pull away - before the mechanic had safely moved back.

And the driver's rear tyre smashed into the pit member's leg, appearing to buckle it.

The team tweeted soon after the incident: "Our mechanic was taken to hospital for treatment".

They later added: "Apparently a shinbone and fibula fracture, our thoughts are with Francesco, stay strong."

The mechanic involved, Francesco Cigarini, is an experienced member of Ferrari's pit crew and has worked for the team for a number of years, reports the Mirror.

Raikkonen then retired from the race as the tyre was not connected properly.

He told reporters later: "I don't know what shape he is in. It is not great for him. I go when the light is green. Not much to say.

"We did not finish the race, so it is not great but this is what happens sometimes."

And F1 fans were quick to condemn the 38-year-old former World Champion for not checking on the mechanic after he jumped out his car.

Shocked viewers wrote: "I've lost all respect for Kimi Raikkonen. Snaps mechanics leg in half, throws a tantrum and goes straight into the garage, doesn’t even check on him."

However others backed the driver: "I’m sorry but those of you slating Kimi Raikkonen for his reaction after having to retire because of the unsafe release and not going to check the mechanic, he might not of even noticed what happened.

"Plus if he did him going over would just get in the way of the medics."

Ferrari tweeted during the race: "13 laps to go but we are all thinking about our man, waiting to know more after the treatment."

Sebastian Vettel went on to win the race, but Ferrari called it a "hollow victory" and said they were still waiting for news.

Finland's Valtteri Bottas was a close second for Mercedes with team mate and reigning champion Lewis Hamilton third.

In the post match interview Vettel said the team were sending all their best wishes.

Channel 4 commentator Ben Edwards said: “Leg broken. You can see one of the guys in a lot of pain."